CEL light on -- should I clear it, or...?

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KMeloney

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Folks,

I was getting a monthly (or every two months-ly) CEL with the Volant on my '09. I took it off the truck, and it's been back to stock for @ 2 months. But this weekend I got another CEL. The ol' P0442 again.

Now, it's obviously not [only] the Volant (and/or it never was). So, that means something else is causing it. Since it's something else, should I take it to the dealership? Or are they just going to tell me that I don't know how to screw on my gas cap?

I can clear the code with my EFILive handheld. But I won't clear it if the dealer ought to look at it.

Is this code ever something that should be looked into, or is it always caused by something superficial? I had a miserable experience with my local dealer last month, so I'd like to clear the code and move on...

Thoughts? Thanks!


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Fast55

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Don't clear it. You've had the code a few times and the obvious cause is gone (Volant). If it doesn't go away on its own from cycling the ignition a few times, it's a "hard" code and it might be time to take it to another dealer.
 

llllljrlllll

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Things to check first if you are getting P0440, P0441, P0442, P0446

1) Make sure the gas cap is ON (and "clicks" ) and is the correct Toyota Gas Cap (aftermarket may not work). Clear the codes and run for a while. See if codes come back.
2) Make sure the tube to the electrical valve on the air cleaner is still on - Many clumsy oil change places pull these off accidentally (or on purpose- who knows?)
3) Test and inspect all the rubber lines under the hood and connecting to the canister.
4) Test the VSV Electrical valve on the canister - put 12V across it using 2 small alligator clips and wires (RadioShack) It should click and let air through.
5) Test the other 2 valves under the hood the same way (the one on the air cleaner works backwards i.e. Power = Block Airflow)
6) If you can - test the air valves (seen above) -
7) Bend over - get your wallet out and buy a new Charcoal canister - ouch! $$$+ If you are still getting the "whoosh" on taking the cap off, maybe the Pressure sensor in the tank is bad.

Tools used to effect this repair

OBDII Code Reader - Available as low as $39 -You don't need a really fancy one.
12mm & 14mm sockets and ratchet with 6" extension - All usually included in any small metric set
Long nosed pliers - used to remove hose clamps and cable restraints.

Now I got this from a website, don't know if our hoes have this canister, but if they do, and you are still under warranty. Take it to the dealer. I also found this http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15666 and here http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19859

Good luck bro. Let us know what the dealer says.
 
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sumo

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0442 is a SMALL leak detected. Id Clear code and Make sure gas cap is Tight. If it really bothers you, you can take the gas cap to any inspection station and they should be able to test and confirm good or bad cap. I would not take a dear visit at this time because they are going to Clear it, Drive it for a few miles and tell you No problems found or unable to recreate. The Evap system may take a few Drive cycles (meaning a combination of Stops and gos, Heavy accel and decel, Driving 45-65 for at least 15 mins.) even before a test is preformed. It can be 15 miles or 100+ miles.
 
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KMeloney

KMeloney

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Thanks, folks. I'm likely going to clear it and see how soon it pops up again. It hasn't cleared on its own after a few drive cycles, so I'll clear it with the reader and check things out. Sumo, I suspect that the dealer would do and say exactly what you said...
 

GM Customer Service

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Folks,

I was getting a monthly (or every two months-ly) CEL with the Volant on my '09. I took it off the truck, and it's been back to stock for @ 2 months. But this weekend I got another CEL. The ol' P0442 again.

Now, it's obviously not [only] the Volant (and/or it never was). So, that means something else is causing it. Since it's something else, should I take it to the dealership? Or are they just going to tell me that I don't know how to screw on my gas cap?

I can clear the code with my EFILive handheld. But I won't clear it if the dealer ought to look at it.

Is this code ever something that should be looked into, or is it always caused by something superficial? I had a miserable experience with my local dealer last month, so I'd like to clear the code and move on...

Thoughts? Thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


Is the vehicle still under warranty? If yes, I would recommend taking it to the dealership, just to be on the safe side. I apologize for your experience at the dealership last month. Is there another authorized dealership in your area? Good luck with this, and let me know how it goes.
Breanne
Chevrolet Customer Service
 
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KMeloney

KMeloney

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Hi Breanne,

Yes, there's another dealership, but it's a lot farther away. It's a long way to go (and to set up a ride back for, to miss any work for, etc.) if the issue is superficial and something that I can take care of myself.

I think I'll clear it. Then, if it comes back anytime soon, then I'll definitely take the truck in.
 

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